Student Centers’ Policies
Freedom of Association/Becoming a Recognized Organization
Students are free to organize and join associations to promote their common interest. The University believes it is appropriate to share its resources with associated groups in order to fulfill the University’s overall educational function. Therefore, associated groups may apply to become Registered Student Organizations or recognized Chartered Fraternities or Sororities, as applicable, in order to access University resources.
Becoming a Registered Student Organization
Associated groups affiliated with Residence Halls or Special Interest Housing should consult their respective Complex Coordinator, Hall Director, or Residence Life Office.
Associated groups that are competitive in sports should consult with Recreation and Intramural Programs.
Associated groups that are colonies or chapters of national social fraternities and sororities should consult the Director of the Student Centers or his or her designee.
All other undergraduate associated groups may become Registered Student Organizations by following the registration procedure. (see: http://www.udel.edu/student-centers/AandP/rso/becomingrso.html)
The University may deny registration to any associated groups or withdraw registration of any student organizations that:
- promote unlawful aims and goals;
- pose a substantial threat of material disruption, such as interruption of classes, damage to the property of others, interference with the rights of others, exposure of students or others to an unreasonable risk of harm, or disruption of the regular and essential operation of the University; or
- are unwilling to be bound by University policies or the Code of Conduct.
Becoming a Recognized Chartered Fraternity or Sorority
Associated groups that are colonies/chapters of national social fraternities and sororities register with the University as “Chartered Fraternities and Sororities.” The University’s expansion policy/procedure for national fraternities and sororities is administered by the Student Centers in conjunction with the student governing body (IFC, NPC, or NPHC). Associated groups of students interested in establishing a colony/chapter of a national fraternal organization should consult with the Director of the Student Centers or his or her designee. In order to assure success in the recognition process, each council may only expand by one new (as opposed to returning) chapter a year if approved by the council. All chapters that wish to colonize/re-colonize must be a member of the NIC, NPC, or the NPHC national organization to have recognized status on campus. If the National Greek organization seeking to re-colonize does not belong to the NIC, NPC, or NPHC, the national organization must contact the Director of Student Centers or his or her designee. The University does not allow “local” chapters (those that do not have National affiliations) to be recognized.
Any National Chapter that wants to colonize/re-colonize on the University of Delaware campus must send a written letter of intent to Director of Student Centers, 218 Trabant University Center, Newark, Delaware, 19716. If the organization satisfies the criteria outlined above, the appropriate council will schedule meetings to begin the process of expansion/extension
All recognized fraternities and sororities must participate in the Chapter Assessment Program (CAP). Failure to do so will result in a loss of recognition.
Affiliation with Other Organizations
For the purposes of this section, the term “student organization” includes Chartered Fraternities and Sororities, Residence Life Organizations, and Registered Student Organizations.
Student organizations may have affiliation with other organizations--international, national, regional and/or local--outside of the University. They may also be subject to policies and requirements of the parent organization, provided that this relationship involves no conflict with any University policies or procedures. In other words, University policies outweigh any requirements or policies of a parent or other affiliated outside organization.
Membership, Voting, and Officers
For the purpose of this section, the term “student organization” includes Chartered Fraternities and Sororities, Residence Life Organizations, and Registered Student Organizations.
Only full-time undergraduate matriculated students may serve as officers and voting members of a student organization, unless specific exceptions are approved by the Director of the Student Centers or his or her designee. Subject to this limitation, policies and actions of a student organization are determined by a vote of only those persons who are members of the student organization, as described in the organization’s approved constitution or by-laws. Community members, University staff, graduate students, and part-time students may not hold any office in an organization or vote in its official proceedings. Officers of student organizations should maintain at least a 2.2 in order to hold office.
Note for Registered Student Organizations: RSOs may not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, veteran, handicap status, or sexual orientation.
Advisors to Student Organizations
For the purposes of this section, the term “student organization” includes Chartered Fraternities and Sororities, Residence Life Organizations, and Registered Student Organizations.
Every student organization must choose an advisor from the University’s full-time faculty or professional staff. Graduate students and University salaried staff or part-time staff do not qualify and no exceptions will be made. Advisors counsel organizations on the exercise of responsibility. The selection of an advisor is the prerogative of the student organization. In a limited number of activities (SGA, WVUD, Greek Governing Councils, CPAB, RSA, UDECU, HOLA, SCPAB, and Haven) advisors are appointed in accordance with stated University or organization requirements. Registration is not withdrawn solely because of the temporary inability of a student organization to secure an advisor. However, a student organization that is without an advisor for 30 days must meet with the Director of the Student Centers or his or her designee to discuss how to go about securing an advisor. The termination of the advisor relationship may be made by either the student organization or the advisor. Student organizations may not create additional “advisor” positions; there is only the officially recognized advisor with the organization.
Note: Chartered Fraternities and Sororities will have 30 days from the date when they receive their chapter status to obtain an advisor. If an advisor resigns, a replacement must be found in 30 days or the registration will be canceled. In that event, a Fraternity or Sorority won't be able to use University facilities and services until a new advisor is obtained.
University Privileges
For the purposes of this section, the term “student organization” includes Chartered Fraternities and Sororities, Residence Life Organizations, and Registered Student Organizations.
Student organizations may use University facilities and/or services designated by University policy for meetings and other programmed activities when the facilities and/or services are available and the events are properly planned and scheduled. For certain types of services and use of certain facilities, the groups may incur charges. In these instances, student organizations receive advance notification about the charges. Student organizations using University facilities and/or services will be charged for any damages to facilities and/or services for which they were responsible.
Provided that a student organization complies with all applicable University policies and procedures, no student organization will be denied privileges granted to another student organization. Furthermore, no organization will be subjected to regulations not binding on another. (Please note that policies and procedures may vary between Fraternities and Sororities, Residence Life Organizations, Registered Student Organizations and Sport Clubs but not generally within the respective categories.)
University privileges and/or the registration status of a group may be suspended or revoked for failing to follow established procedures or violating the University’s Code of Conduct.
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